North East music festivals: Where to see live music locally this summer including Hardwick, Loosefest and more

Did you see Sam Fender at St James Park and now have the bug for a summer of live music or get FOMO after all of the incredible Glastonbury coverage in June? There is no need to worry because North East residents are spoiled for choice when it comes to live music this summer!

These are some of the top festivals if you want to see more from top musicians.

Hardwick Festival

After returning last year, this festival is pulling out all the stops in 2023 to make this summer the best yet. For the first time the County Durham event will take place over three days by adding a Friday evening to the regular weekend schedule.

An impressive lineup has already been revealed too with Hacienda Classical – an act consisting of DJs, a full orchestra and the occasional familiar face from the early 90s – The Kooks and Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds all being given headline slots.

The weekend of live music will run from Friday, August 18 until Sunday, August 20.

Weekend and day tickets are now available.

Loosefest

One of the newer names on the North East festival circuit, Loosefest returns to Newcastle’s Town Moor this year bigger and better than previously. With names including Joel Correy, Example, Sean Paul, Sigala and more this is set to be a huge city centre event.

The festival will be taking place over the weekend of Saturday, August 5 and Sunday, August 6 with weekend, day and VIP upgrade tickets all available through the festival’s website.

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Lindisfarne

A perfect way to wrap up the festival season, Lindisfarne Festival takes place on the Northumberland coast over the weekend of Thursday, August 31 to Sunday, September 3.

The festival organisers announced their lineup slightly later than the rest of the UK’s events this summer, but the result is still very impressive. Pendulum and Primal Scream are the biggest names performing over the weekend although other acts to keep an eye on include local rockers Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs as well as Ferocious Dog and The Bootleg Beatles.

Weekend tickets remain available to buy online.

Mouth Of The Tyne Festival

Another option for those who may not enjoy the camping aspect of festivals, Mouth of the Tyne takes place overlooking the stunning North Tyneside coast and will see The Proclaimers, Siouxsie, Paul Heaton and Gabrielle close each night.

Shows will run from Thursday, July 6 until Sunday, July 9 and no weekend tickets are available, although one day tickets for each set can be bought online.

The Ouseburn Festival presents Narc Fest

Purely wanting to keep an eye on up and coming local acts? Look no further than this Ouseburn Festival which will be held in the super trendy area of Newcastle with the same name in July.

Bars and music venues across the neighbourhood including The Grove, Little Buildings and The Cluny will open their doors to music fans on Saturday, July 15 and Sunday, July 16 to show off the best new talent the North East has to offer.

Our top picks for who to see include Wild Spelks, Straight Girl, Swine Tax and Sorority Grrrls.

The best part? The whole day is free!